Summary details for Walckenaeria capito (Westring, 1861)

Distribution

The species is widespread in Scotland, North Wales and the East Thames Corridor, but generally widely scattered elsewhere. It is a Holarctic species widespread in northern and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

W. capito is found under stones on high ground in mountainous areas, but there are also records from short vegetation on shingle and grazing marsh grasslands in lowland counties, also occasionally on calcareous grassland, dry grassland and woodland. Adult females probably occur throughout the year. Our data suggest males may peak in late autumn and winter.

Status

Generally uncommon within its rather unusual range.

Threats

Given the relatively broad spread of habitats the species occurs in, it is not currently clear what threats it could face. Nevertheless, some montane sites and coastal shingle are potentially threatened by recreational development and much coastal grazing marsh has been converted to arable agriculture.

Management and conservation

Montane sites and coastal shingle should be protected from excessive recreational pressures and traditional grazing management maintained on coastal grazing marshes. However, more information is needed on this species' ecology before detailed management recommendations can be made. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).